A tense situation unfolded in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, after a march linked to the “I Love Mohammad” campaign turned violent on Friday. The incident took place soon after Friday prayers, when supporters of Maulana Tauqeer Raza had gathered to submit a memorandum. What began as a peaceful gathering quickly changed into stone pelting and clashes, leading to a police cane charge to disperse the crowd.
According to police, 10 officers were injured during the violence. To restore calm, 12 companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Reserve Rapid Force (RRF) were deployed across the city. Senior officials including the Inspector General (IG), Superintendent of Police (SP), and District Magistrate (DM) also conducted flag marches in sensitive areas to reassure the public and maintain law and order.
Police said that some people believed to be behind the violence were taken into custody and brought to Kotwali police station for questioning. Officers are investigating whether these individuals had a role in triggering the unrest.
Bareilly IG Ajay Sahni stated that the administration had already made special arrangements in anticipation of Friday prayers. Religious leaders were contacted in advance and asked to help maintain peace.
The IG explained that police teams, along with senior officials, had been patrolling the city on foot to keep a close watch on developments. “Prayers have started peacefully at several places, and many have already concluded. The public has been advised to continue their normal activities after prayers,” he said. He further added that 12 companies of RAF and RRF were on duty along with civil police to ensure peace.
Despite these measures, the march linked to the “I Love Mohammad” campaign suddenly took a violent turn, leaving the police with no choice but to use lathicharge to control the situation.
The tension in Bareilly cannot be seen in isolation. The “I Love Mohammad” campaign first started in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, during the celebrations of Barawafat, which marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad. Young Muslims had launched the campaign to express their devotion by displaying banners and posters carrying the slogan “I Love Mohammad.”
While many supported the campaign as a form of religious expression, some local Hindu groups objected. They viewed it as a provocative new practice that could disturb peace. Their opposition soon led to heated arguments, protests, and eventually communal tension in Kanpur. Police removed several banners and filed FIRs against those accused of disturbing harmony and hurting religious sentiments.
The controversy soon spread to other cities. Similar campaigns and protests were reported in Lucknow, Bareilly, Nagpur, Kashipur, and Hyderabad, particularly after Friday prayers. In several places, police had to step in to prevent clashes.
Muslim organisations criticised the police action, claiming it was unfair and a violation of their right to religious freedom and expression. They argued that simply displaying love and respect for Prophet Mohammad should not be treated as an offence. However, authorities maintained that their actions were aimed at preventing communal clashes and ensuring peace.
In Bareilly, the clashes highlight the fragile atmosphere created by the campaign. The violent turn of events has worried authorities, especially since communal tensions can easily spread. By deploying large numbers of security forces and holding flag marches, the administration is trying to send a clear message that any attempt to disturb peace will be dealt with strictly.
At the same time, discussions with community leaders are being encouraged so that such disputes can be resolved through dialogue rather than confrontation. Officials have urged people from all communities to remain calm and not get provoked by rumours or divisive slogans.
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The “I Love Mohammad” campaign, which was meant to be an expression of devotion, has now become a point of social and political debate. Supporters see it as a peaceful way of showing love for the Prophet, while critics consider it a move that can inflame tensions in a sensitive environment.
For now, Bareilly remains under heavy security watch, with the hope that peace will return soon and that the upcoming religious and community events can take place without further disturbance.
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